The 3rd Circuit Solicitor's office confirmed Monday that charges against a Clarendon School District 1 board member regarding pointing and presenting a firearm have been dropped.
Dr. Bernard Richburg was charged Feb. 18 at the family home on Mary Drive in Summerton, shortly after his 18-year-old son told deputies with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office that the elder Richburg allegedly threatened him and pointed a shotgun at him during an argument that day.
Richburg allegedly told deputies that he indeed got the gun, but only after his son kicked, assaulted and disrespected him during the argument about test scores.
The boy claimed he kicked and punched his father for fear of his safety. Richburg allegedly then went into a bathroom, after which the young man heard a shot.
Richburg said he had no intention to shoot his son or threaten him, but that he hoped to “intimidate him and make him respect him,” according to reports.
Richburg said the gun accidentally went off while he was in the bathroom, and that he did not shoot at his son.
